• Fig trees thrive in a Mediterranean climate.wild unripe figs on the tree in santorini Greece image by Antony McAulay from Fotolia.com
  
  The fig fruit tree is a member of the large genus of Ficus trees. Fig trees thrive in a subtropical or Mediterranean climate where summers are hot and dry and winters are mild and wet. A mature fig tree grows as tall as 50 feet, but most fruit trees remain between 10 and 30 feet tall. Periods of frost are tolerated and a dormant fig can withstand winter temperatures as low as 15 degrees Fahrenheit. Propagating fig trees from a cutting will result in a clone of the parent plant. Seed propagation, however, combines the genetic material of two trees and does not result in a true clone.
  
  

Cuttings

• Cuttings taken in the winter when the fig tree is in its dormancy period are best. A 12-inch long section of wood that is about 1 inch around is ideal. If taking cuttings in the summer, the leaves should be removed and the branch placed in the vegetable drawer of the refrigerator for two to three weeks.
  
  

Rooting Hormone

• Rooting hormone is available as a liquid or a powder from most home and garden stores. Rooting hormone stimulates the cutting to form new roots quickly. After applying the root hormone, branches should be placed in a humid room where the temperature is between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit for one week before planting. Figs root easily and might not require rooting hormone, however, using this substance will increase success rate and shorten the time it takes roots to form.
  
  

Rooting Medium

• A rooting medium that is light and airy encourages rooting success. Sphagnum peat, vermiculite, pine bark or perlite are ideal rooting mediums for fig cuttings. Standard potting soil is too heavy, allowing the cutting to rot before roots have a chance to form. Garden soil should be avoided; the live microbial life will encourage the cutting to rot.
  
  

Environment

• A humid environment where the air temperature is between 70 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit will encourage roots to form. When planting fig cuttings, the bottom 6 inches should be below the soil line.